Mitchell College receives largest single gift in school’s history
New London — Mitchell College President Tracy Y. Espy announced Thursday that the school has received the largest single donation in its 84-year history in support of "a kaleidoscope of learners."
The college in a news release said the $3 million gift came from an anonymous donor.
Espy emphasized the school's focus on supporting students of all learning styles by providing different pathways for them to achieve their goals. "Our tremendously generous donor recognizes the unique commitment and ability of Mitchell College to offer exceptional education for a kaleidoscope of learners, representing the spectrum of diversity in race, gender, class, ethnicity and neurodiversity," she said.
In a Friday phone interview, Espy said the college will be releasing its strategic plan this summer, which will include the specific initiatives slated to be funded by the donation.
Mitchell College board of trustees Chairperson Richard D'Avino called the anonymous donor a "compassionate benefactor" who was inspired by the "culture of belonging" fostered by Espy.
The board of trustees touted Espy for her leadership skills and ability to forge community connections when she was appointed in 2020. She grew up in Alabama, got her bachelor's degree from Berea College in Kentucky and master's degree in family studies from Miami University in Ohio, then a Ph.D. in child/family-marriage and family therapy from Syracuse University in New York. She previously served as the provost and vice president of academic affairs at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina.
Espy, 57, recognized that the work done by faculty and staff before she arrived 22 months ago laid the groundwork for the record-breaking donation. "So I don't see it as just me," she said. "It's really the sum total of the years of hard work and commitment to our mission that our community has embraced."
Espy said $1 million of the donation will provide a dollar-for-dollar match to inspire other donations, which could bring the potential benefit of the anonymous gift to $4 million.
"It's a win for everybody: Our students, our faculty and staff," she said. "So that's what's exciting to me."
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